The entirety of my journey with The Prospector has been a continuous lesson filled with its fair share of growing pains. And no, I don’t mean physically as I am still five feet tall. This experience has been more than a job; it has molded me in ways that I didn’t know I was capable of. In order to fully appreciate this sentiment, I need to start from the beginning.
When I first received my job offer from The Prospector, I was overwhelmed by the constant feeling or sense that I didn’t belong. This mainly pertained to my lack of confidence in my work and myself. It felt like I was stuck in a tub of imposter syndrome, and I was drowning in it. I couldn’t comprehend why I was chosen to work alongside such incredible, talented and smart individuals.
On my first day, I was completely lost. I wasn’t familiar with the complex world of journalism. As overwhelmed as I was, I made the wrong mistake of vocalizing my self-doubt. The first lesson you learn at The Prospector is to never talk down upon yourself or say, “We aren’t capable of something.” While it may feel impossible at times, the reality of it all is that the team sees potential in you that you haven’t recognized yet. They genuinely believe in you and constantly push you to grow within your craft.
Working here has presented me with such amazing opportunities and instances where I am pushed to step outside of my comfort zone. For the longest time, I dreaded the idea of being in front of a camera. As a graphic designer, I was used to working behind the screen, not in front of it. The thought of approaching strangers with a tiny microphone and asking them questions was terrifying. But with continued practice, I grew to love it. From that fear, I have been able to create a social media series called “Tiny Mic Talks,” a series that I consider one of my prized possessions.
When I agreed to join The Prospector, I never could have imagined the impact it would have on me and my life, especially to this extent. I am grateful every single day that I made that choice. I was able to create lasting connections and formed friendships that have truly become like family.
I have seen myself transform into someone who is unapologetically myself with an increased confidence in my work. I would’ve never been able to accomplish such milestones if I had let my fear consume me and hold me back from applying. They saw me before I saw myself. They gave me a chance even before I was willing to give myself the chance.
That’s why I am eternally grateful for these wonderful opportunities, my coworkers and mentors. My time here is more than an addition on my resume. I know that my journey within The Prospector is an ongoing lesson of self-discovery and each new challenge is a beginning to new paths. I am excited to see what new fears I can face, what boundaries I can cross, and what content I will be proud of next.
Kahri Reyes is the Audience and Engagement Editor and may be reached at [email protected] and on Instagram at kahricatura.
